Philippine History Overview

Overview

This lecture traces the history of the Philippines from its first human settlements to modern times, focusing on waves of migrations, external influences, colonial rule, independence, and political developments.

Early Settlements and Migrations

• First humans arrived in the Philippine archipelago using rafts or boats around 60,000 years ago.
• Austronesians and Malayo-Polynesian speakers arrived in successive waves beginning about 4000 BC.
• By 1000 BC, four distinct societies existed: tribal groups, warrior societies, petty plutocracy, and harbor civilizations.

External Influences and Early States

• Jade culture began during the Neolithic era, with evidence of complex trade networks by 1000 BC.
• Metallurgy reached the islands through trade with India around 300–700 AD.
• Indian cultural influence spread with the Pallava dynasty and Gupta Empire, leading to new kingdoms.
• The Laguna Copperplate Inscription (900 AD) is the oldest Philippine document, showing mathematics, weights, and measures.

Maritime City-States and Foreign Rule

• No unified state existed; there were numerous city-states under plutocratic rule.
• Trade flourished with Indianized kingdoms, Vietnam, and China.
• The island state of Mai in Mindoro became a major trading center around 1225.
• The Hindu Majapahit empire controlled Luzon and Sulu in the 1300s, but these regions regained independence after battles.

Arrival and Spread of Islam

• Islam arrived in 1380 via Makdum Kareem and further established by Sharif ul Hashem.
• Sultanates like Sulu and Maguindanao arose, spreading Islam through conquest and conversion.
• Brunei became an independent sultanate and spread Islam in the region.

Spanish Colonization

• Ferdinand Magellan claimed the islands for Spain in 1521, but was killed in the Battle of Mactan.
• The islands were named "Philippines" in honor of Philip II of Spain in 1543.
• Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established the first European settlements in Cebu in 1565.
• Manila became the capital of the Spanish East Indies in 1578.
• The Castillan War (1578) was fought between Christian Spaniards and Muslim Bruneians.
• Spanish rule introduced Christianity, legal codes, and the oldest university in Asia.

American and Japanese Rule

• Spain ceded the Philippines to the US after the Spanish-American War in 1898.
• The US established the Philippine Assembly in 1907 and promised independence in the Jones Act.
• Commonwealth established in 1935; Japanese occupation occurred in 1942–1945.
• Full independence granted in 1946 through the Treaty of Manila.

Modern Philippines

• Manuel Roxas became the first president of the independent Philippines.
• The economy remained dependent on the US; political instability existed, with dictatorships like Ferdinand Marcos (1965–1986).
• Post-Marcos era saw restoration of democracy, with Corazon Aquino and five subsequent presidents.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Austronesians — Early seafaring people who migrated to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia.
• Laguna Copperplate Inscription — Oldest known written document in the Philippines (900 AD).
• Sultanate — Islamic political entity ruled by a sultan.
• Plutocracy — Society or state governed by the wealthy.
• Majapahit Empire — Hindu empire controlling parts of Southeast Asia, including parts of the Philippines.
• Commonwealth — Transitional government before full Philippine independence.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review timelines of major periods in Philippine history.
• Study the impact of external influences (India, Islam, Spain, USA) on local culture and society.
• Prepare for a quiz on key terms and historical milestones.